Region of Durham reminds everyone to be safe on the road as daylight saving time ends

Whitby, Ontario – When daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 4, darker commuting hours will affect visibility on roadways. That’s why The Regional Municipality of Durham, Works Department – Traffic Operations Division is reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to be vigilant and safe on the road as darkness comes earlier.

“At this time of year, the hours in which many of us are getting to and from school and work are getting darker,” says Susan Siopis, Commissioner of Works for the Region of Durham. “It is up to everyone—drivers, pedestrians and cyclists—to stay safe on the road. Be aware of those you share the road with, and make sure everyone gets home safely.”

The Durham Region Works Department offers these traffic safety tips:

• Always cross at an intersection where there is a traffic control device, such as a signal or stop sign.
• Wearing bright colours and retro-reflective clothing is always a good idea in order to be seen when walking or cycling in the dark or rainy conditions.
• Drivers should turn on headlamps and taillights, and ensure the full lighting system is on, at least 30 minutes before sunset.
• If you are the driver, pay special attention to crosswalks and the sidewalks leading to the intersection when you approach, even if you have a green light.

All motorists, as well as cyclists, must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other crossing locations where a crossing guard is present. Only when all pedestrians and the crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk may drivers and cyclists proceed.

Durham Region is currently developing a Strategic Road Safety Action Plan called Durham Vision Zero. The plan will set out targets, policies, and actions to guide the Region and its road safety partners towards creating safer roads and reducing the number of collisions, road fatalities and injuries in Durham.

“On average, there are more than 1,600 fatal and injury-causing collisions per year in Durham—with more than half of them occurring at intersections,” says Ramesh Jagannathan, Director of Transportation and Field Services. “We are working hard to reduce this number through public education, improved infrastructure and enforcement by our partners at the Durham Regional Police Service. But remember: collisions can always be avoided. Please drive safely, slow down and be alert.”

Learn about Durham Vision Zero at durham.ca/DurhamVisionZero. Find more traffic safety tips at durham.ca/traffic.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.